What To Wear: Heated Workouts

Some like their workouts hot. Like crank up the thermostat, make it sizzle-type hot. Bikram Yoga used to be the talked-about heated workout, but now New Yorkers are demanding their favorite workouts turn up the thermostat. Within the past few...

Some like their workouts hot. Like crank up the thermostat, make it sizzle-type hot. Bikram Yoga used to be the talked-about heated workout, but now New Yorkers are demanding their favorite workouts turn up the thermostat. Within the past few months I've seen (and tested) hotties including hot barre and boot camp classes, and it terms of outfit choices, it's a whole different approach.

Since working out naked isn't exactly an option, the next best thing is fabrics that are chafe-resistant, feature strategic cooling ventilation and won't cause embarrassing sweat stains or odors. My basic advice: avoid cotton--it becomes extra heavy as it soaks up the sweat. Look for sweat-wicking fabrics that draw the sweat to the outside of the garment to evaporate and leave skin dry and cool.

“Sweat is an athlete’s best friend because it helps cool them down. If a garment gets heavy and soaked full of moisture, the cooling process won’t work,” Udo Mueller, Head of Technical Marketing Innovation at Adidas says. (See the technology Adidas came up with as a solution below.)

Here are some heated workout-approved picks:

BottomsThe name says it all. Lululemon Hot & Sweaty short ($48, lululemon.com) were created specifically for hot yoga lovers. Featuring Power Luxtreme (an extra-fast wicking fabric) the shorts have drawcords which allow you to customize your fit because the last thing you want to waste energy doing is fidgeting with your shorts during a hot yoga session. The thick, smooth waistband has chafe-resistant flat seams that feel good against the skin, even when sweat-soaked.

The shorter the shorts the better when it comes to Bikram yoga wear. NUX’s Focus Boy Shorts ($36, nuxusa.com) use a 3-way sweat-wicking fabric that stays dry and feels silky against the skin. The moisture-protecting features help prevent any embarrassing sweat stains (wear black for the most visualize protection!).

TopsAdidas’ ClimaCool technology is is a combination of performance fibers, wicking fabrics and open mesh designed to keep cool air flowing while heat and sweat out. The technology is integrated into various pieces and I tested the ClimaPower tank ($40, adidas.com) during a hot yoga session. The strategically placed ventilation mesh zones (under the bust and down the back) kept hot spots feeling cool!

SneakersNot every hot workout is done barefoot. Case in point, Chaise23’s Hot TRX class and running outside anytime during the months of July and August. To keep feet cool, Adidas’ Climacool sneakers ($100, adidas.com) feature ClimaCool ventilation around the entire foot, a comfortable mesh lining and perforated sockline to increase the shoe’s breathability and reduce heat and sweat–its design acts like a mini air conditioning unit for your feet!

AccessoriesWhen you need an instant recharge before heading back to game, Mission Athletecare’s EnduraCool cooling towel will be your sideline solution ($14.99, missionathlete.com and select sporting goods stores). Developed as response to athlete’s complaints of overheating, EnduraCool is a dual-use product– when it’s dry the fabric acts as an absorbent cloth and when it’s wet and snapped, the chilling technology is activated, cooling the fabric to near 59 degrees in about a minute.

Sweating is healthy, but it can also make for a dangerously slippery yoga mat. Lorna Jane’s non-stick Yoga & Pilates Socks feature a rib knit and non-slip coating make sure your yoga practice doesn’t become a slip and slide. The socks ($14.99, lornajane.com) also feature moisture-wicking proprieties, meaning no stink!

Expert Pick: Heather Burghorn, Hot TRX class instructor at Chaise23 in New York City.Favorite Tank: Lole Women Zenith Tank ($60, lolewomen.com)“It is the perfect tank to keep you cool and dry during sweaty workouts. The bonus with the Zenith tank is you get all the benefits of glistening but none of the smell (they put this tank through an anti-bacterial treatment process, so it prevents odors).”